Emzee

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you had to face last year (and those you'll have to face in the future), but I'm inspired to see you optimistic about 2015. I could also rant about the very dry proceedings of the dreaded 9 to 5 as well. But, as you implied, a lot of other people would probably kill to have their lot in life be like yours or mine. Anyway, whatever you have planned, I say go for, or at least, go for planning the thing you should go for. Best of luck this year!

As per the trend, my sister in Dubai has enjoying early access to New Years (I still need to post those pictures I took while there, don't I?). I don't think I've ever seen a city go all out like this for their fireworks. Seriously though, this year was a step up from 2013 in many ways. Goals and such didn't progress for me as fast as I wanted though. I said this time last year that 2014 would be the year of change. I was half right -- the changes were just delayed by 6 months. I did finally start going to the gym and I saw some results, but it's challenging to keep a habit like this going. I'm paying too much to keep skipping out though. 2015 will be interesting to say the least. Lots of management changes at my job (a job that has less than desirable work, I must confess). That, and the Power Lies Beneath project didn't move as fast as I wanted. I've moved some priorities around though, so you all should start seeing some new stuff soon. Anyway, 2014 was a good year, a nice step up from the not-so-enjoyable 2013. We'll just have to see how I fare for 2015. I definitely look forward to at least catching a glimpse of Doc Brown and Marty McFly -- not to mention all the tech advancements! Flying cars, hoverboards... it's gonna be great. For those who haven't been graced with 2015 yet (like me), I hope tonight is fantastic for you, whether you're out having fun or sitting at home binge-watching The Legend of Korra on Amazon. I'll be out! Of course...

I hope you're having an awesome (albeit cold) birthday, Nate! Yeah! Nice to finally have you on board!

Yeah, yeah, I know, prosaic title and all that. I'm sorry I've failed you all. My creative juices have all dried up unfortunately, but I'm still going to wish our retired BZPRPG overlord and RPG staffer a happy 28th birthday! Here's hoping you get a second set of presents today! (That's how it works right?)

And here I thought PDX was it for you. I hope you both end up enjoying your warmer, brighter city. And don't think I won't come stalking after y'all in San Diego sooner or later. I've never been and I've heard great things about it!

Yeah that's what I figured. In which case, it could be either case, depending on what I exactly want "power" to refer to. I'm going sans-"The" because that just sounds better to me, and there are multiple powers in play for this story. It's good that I won't have to worry about someone nitpicking my title on eventual release date. Thanks, y'all.

Ok, I'm 90% certain that I got it right the first time, but I need to hear honest feedback: Power Lies Beneath or The Power Lies Beneath? Which sounds better? Which is better from a title grammar perspective? Does it only depend on what "Power" means or does it really not matter? Let me have your input!

So it finally happened. Congratulations on making BZP history, Hubert!

Hi Kooltone, welcome to BZP! Unfortunately this topic has already passed its expiration date. Make sure you check the date to avoid topic revival in the future: Topic closed.

Yeah, I saw messages about that and was just like "nope". I've done my share of waiting outside here in Austin. At least it's not too bad outside today. That would be pretty awesome if you got called though. Best of luck!

That's awesome man. I suppose y'all are better at keeping things on the DL than I would've guessed. I wish I could have joined you guys, but then again, there's always time later on to get a glimpse of all your new stuff. Basically, this means I HAVE to return to the PNW at some point.

Ten years ago today, the second BIONICLE movie was released. That was also the year I started high school. ... Gotta love these decade anniversaries that remind me of my age. They're not gonna stop either...

Welcome to BZPower, Darth Agnon! I'm afraid this topic is too old to chug along though. As per the forum rules: If you have any questions, you can PM me. Revived topic closed.

But they cost soooo much money! and you know you can't just buy one of those guys.

Honestly, I'm just happy there gets to be a new generation of kids that'll get to experience this awesome line. I won't pretend like I'm going to buy all the sets (or even just one), but from what I see, the beginning wave of sets mostly look well-built. Job well done, TLG.

So jealous. It sounds like it's gonna be an awesome time! Have fun!

FAN CREATED GAMES RULES: Four days left. Make me proud, y'all. (I should have maybe posted this sooner and for that I am sorry) Source: Create, envision, or compose in the name of Ninjago!

Entry period ends on September 22nd. There have been some entries from this forum so far, but I'd really love to see more from you guys! Here's a refresher on the entry requirements: MUSIC AND MOVIES RULES: FAN CREATED GAMES RULES: Four days left. Make me proud, y'all. (I should have maybe posted this sooner and for that I am sorry)

Happy birthday, Kelly! Thank you for all you've contributed to the community.

IC: Ra’lhen & Wokodin – Ostia The Sentinel and the Sergeant trudged towards the port town’s gates as merciless lashes of sand and dust raged at them from the side. Wokodin, ever-prepared, had brought thick cloth wrappings from his office in Po-Koro to cover their faces and muscle tissue. Unfortunately, that help very little with the path finding, especially when it seemed that the wind was in more control of their movement than their own sense of direction. The hour of travel was torment for Ra’lhen. Dust and sand shot into his nose, ears, and mouth despite the garments he wore, to the point where the Toa of Electricity feared to breathe anymore than he absolutely had to. Carring much of his belongings atop his back was also not a fun task, as their Kikanalo steeds were quickly blinded and scattered by the sands early on in the storm. Ra’lhen’s feet ached almost as much as his shoulders. Now, however, the trip was nearly over, and every step their took lessened the intensity of the sandstorm. By the time that had reached the gate, the only heavy winds bothered the duo. The sky ahead spoke of more sand to come soon though. Ra’lhen seriously hoped that they would not be stuck outside this gate for long. “State your business,” the tan and black Matoran guard said before looking up at the tall Toa of Stone. “Sergeant Wokodin,” he said with more enthusiasm, an enthusiasm that quickly vanished when his gaze shifted to Ra’lhen. “I see you’ve come with the new recruit” “My name is Ra’lhen, Toa of Electricity,” Ra’lhen said to the guard. “Yes Ro-Ra’lhen,” the guard said, deftly correcting himself, “We know all about you. A messenger bird was sent as soon as you were named as a Sentintel.” For a moment, Ra’lhen was foolish enough to believe that that would be followed by a “welcome” or “enjoy your stay.” His beliefs were smashed with contemptuous silence. “We have your quarters prepared, and your paperwork is on the way from Po-Koro” the guard said, “Please wait here while I send for a Sentinel to escort you” With that, Ra’lhen waited without a word beside Wokodin. While the silence would often make Ra’lhen’s mind jitter, the Vo-Toa felt that there was nothing he should say. Finally, Ra’lhen couldn’t take it anymore. “I did what I did to save the other Toa!” the Vo-Toa blurted to his Sergeant. If Wokodin was startled, he did not show it. Instead, he turned his head slowly towards the shorter Vo-Toa. “I thought that I was just another arrogant newb who would be given a quick and uneventful death at the hands of Rahkshi. That’s why I stayed behind to fight them while Wokapu and the others escaped. If I had known that Makuta was going to… use me-” “Any disappointment has nothing to do with what you did to save my son and the other Toa,” Wokodin cut him off, “That is not something you should trouble yourself with. You’ll have enough trouble from your fellow cadets, I’m afraid” Ra’lhen nodded, his face sullen at the reminder of the guard they had just encountered. I will make few friends here, if any, thought Ra’lhen. After a moment, the guard returned with a bronze armored Po-Matoran, with a tan body and burnt-orange feet. He stood tall and gave Wokodin a salute. “Follow me. I shall show you to your quarters,” the Po-Matoran said, “Wokodin, is there any other business that you have come for?” “No. My work here is finished,” Wokodin said, “I shall be visiting here regularly, Ra’lhen. You’re not the only Sentinel I have up here. But for now, I must depart. Remember all that I have told you about this town, and may Mata Nui grant you strength and courage.” “Yes sir,” Ra’lhen said with assertion. He stood and watched the tall, muscular Toa stride away and disappear into the brown, ghastly distance where the storm awaited.

Yes! You may use a website to create the game.

Happy birthday, Becca!

Thanks for the birthday wishes guys. Three-day weekend ain't a bad way to spend a birthday at all!

Happy birthday, Mak!

IC: Wokodin – Cemetery I knew I’d find you here, sooner or later, the gargantuan Toa of Stone thought bitterly. It was well known that Wokodin, sergeant of the Sentinels, held little love for the tarnished, would-be paladin that he once mentored. He had once spent his days and nights training a group of venerable heroes – a group that Ra’lhen had the honor of leading. Wokodin’s son, Wokapu had traveled and sparred with the red and blue Toa. Between them and the other four Toa, Wokodin had envisioned a clean victory over the Master of Shadows, scarcely a few years after the First Toa were killed. His warriors in his deftly crafted Toa Team were young, quick-witted, obedient, and powerful. And this one Toa managed to wrench it all during the one time where room for error was at its most minimal. Wokodin had told this story to many a guardsmen, and told them once more when word spread that the Toa formerly known as Ronkshou was now serving the village that he had sought to destroy a little more than a year past. And as if to pour salt in a fresh wound, Ra’lhen had evidently been assigned to Wokodin’s command; fit to serve wherever the sergeant needed him. As bad as it sounded, Wokodin knew that this was a blessing. For reasons kept secret from everyone, the sergeant knew that it would be wise to keep Ra’lhen close… but maybe not too close. “Such a depressing inscription if I say so myself,” Wokodin said, his shadow extending almost behind the gargantuan Toa. Ra’lhen looked up at him with eyes that did not seem to recognize him at first. Then, it clicked. “Wo… Wokodin?” “I suggested a poem,” Wokodin said. “Here lies a carver named Hafu Caught up in a bit of a snafu His hands worked the best He trumped all the rest Especially that idiot Ahkmou.” Ra’lhen, snorted in amusement as he rose to his feet. Without a word, Wokodin embraced the younger Toa in the way that a father would. After a silent moment, they separated from each other. “Hewkii didn’t like it. Apparently the Comet Ball Traitor’s feelings still mattered at the time,” Wokodin said with a hint of bitterness. “You look like you have been holding up as well as you could, all things considered,” Wokodin said, hands on each of Ra’lhen’s shoulders. “I don’t know how many times people have told you this, if at all, but you must know that there is no justifiable ill will towards you for this grave that we stand beside. You didn’t kill him. You watched a monster do it. End of story” Wokodin lauded himself for finishing that statement with a straight face. Wokodin knew that Ra’lhen could be justifiably blamed if the people knew what he knew. But at the heart of it, Wokodin knew that the Vo-Toa had little fault of his own for the master carver’s murder. “At any rate, brother, I’m here because I’ve been assigned to be your sergeant,” Wokodin, “And now my duty beseeches me to assign you to the port town of Ostia for patrols and reports. If you are up to it now, I’d like for you to come with me to my office to discuss the details of your post. After all, this town didn’t exist when you were last here, and there’s a lot you’ll need to know in order to serve those good men and women effectively” The younger Toa stood and watched the grave for a moment, and then looked to Wokodin, wearing an expression of rock-hard resolve. “I’m ready, sir,” Ra’lhen said, though Wokodin noticed his voice waver, “Let’s go” Your heart is ready, but is your mind? Thought Wokodin as they walked towards the exit of the cemetery. Ostia would be perfect for Ra’lhen. He’d be far away from the Po-Matoran who still feared and hated this Vo-Toa, but he would be close enough so that Wokodin could keep a watchful eye on him. In months past, Wokodin would have sworn that Ra’lhen would end up dead, and indeed, Wokodin sought to prove his loyalty to the Po-Koro Guard by taking in Ronkshou and Kohra dead or alive. He wondered if Ra’lhen held that memory, of if it was whisked away along with the Infection from his mask. Still, at any rate, Ra’lhen was alive. Which means Wokodin would have to be careful.